Summary:
An experience in using community as a space for medical education, conducted by the Department of Preventive Medicine - School of Medicine - Botucatu, SP, Brazil, is reported. The results of this new approach was evaluated by interviewing the staff of the Department and analyzing the pertinent documents. Changes were observed both, in experiences outside the hospital and within the Health Centers after the association of the principles of Community Medicine to those of Preventive Medicine. Such changes areclearly demonstrated by the specificity of the health services organized during the period of the study. In 1970, "Sanitary Unit of Lageado" was settled influenced by the concept of Preventive Medicine based on changes in altitudes and development of a preventive conscience in the medical students. The School Health Center settled in 1972, based of the principles of Community Medicine brought, new tendencies in relation to the previous experience. The focus of the project was changed from educational to technical and health care.